2003 FORD MUSTANG maintenance

IN-
VEHICLE REPAIR
Fluid Pan, Gasket and Filter
1. Normal maintenance requires periodic automatic transmission fluid changes. If a major repair, such as a clutch, band, bearing, etc., is required, the automatic transmission will also have to be
removed for repair. At this time, the torque converter, transmission cooler and tubes must be
thoroughly flushed to remove any dirt. The transmission fluid needs to be changed if evidence
of fluid contamination is found. When used under continuous or severe conditions, the
transmission and torque converter should be drained and refilled with fluid as specified.
2. CAUTION: Do not use any supplemental transmission fluid additives or cleaning
agents. The use of these products could cause internal transmission components to fail;
this will effect the operation of the transmission.
CAUTION: Use of a fluid other than specified could result in transmission failure.
Refer to the vehicle certification label affixed to the LH front door lock face panel or door pillar
for the transmission code.
3. When filling a dry transmission and torque converter, refer to General Specifications chart in this section for capacity. Check the fluid level.
Removal
1. Disconnect the battery ground cable. For additional information, refer to Section 414 - 01 .
2. Raise and support the vehicle. For additional information, refer to Section 100 - 02 .
3. Place a drain pan under the transmission fluid pan.
4. Drain transmission fluid. zLoosen the transmission fluid pan bolts and allow fluid to drain. After fluid is drained
remove the bolts.
SECTION 307-
01: Automatic Transaxle/Transmission 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Material
Item Specification
MERCON® V Automatic
Transmission Fluid
XT
-5-QM, XT -5-DM MERCON® V Klj . 1 ba
52003 Mustang Workshop Manual
18. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_2748/S3B~us~en~ ...

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Climate Control System
WARNING: To avoid accidental deployment and possible injury, the air bag system
backup power supply must be depleted before repairing any climate control components. To
deplete the backup power supply, disconnect the battery ground cable and wait one minute.
Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
WARNING: Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and dangerous. If it is necessary to
operate the engine with the vehicle in a closed area such as a garage, always use an exhaust
collector to vent the exhaust gases outside the closed area.
WARNING: R- 134a is classified as a safe refrigerant, but misuse can make it dangerous.
The following precautions must be observed:
zAlways wear safety goggles when repairing an air conditioning system.
z Avoid contact with liquid refrigerant R- 134a. R-134a vaporizes at approximately - 25°C (-
13°F) under atmospheric pressure and it will freeze skin tissue.
z Never allow refrigerant R- 134a gas to escape in quantity in an occupied space. R- 134a is
non- toxic, but it will displace the oxygen needed to support life.
z Never use a torch in an atmosphere containing R- 134a gas. R-134a is non-toxic at all
normal conditions, but when it is exposed to high temperatures, such as a torch flame, it
decomposes. During decomposition it releases irritation and toxic gases (as described in
the MSDS sheet from the manufacturer). Decomposition products are hydrofluoric acid,
carbon dioxide and water.
z Do not allow any portion of the charged air conditioning system to become too hot. The
pressure in an air conditioning system rises as the temperature rises and temperatures
of approximately 85°C (185°F) can be dangerous.
z Allow the engine to cool sufficiently prior to carrying out maintenance or serious burns
and injury can occur.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the vehicle or A/C components, the following precautions
must be observed:
zThe A/C refrigerant of all vehicles must be identified and analyzed prior to refrigerant
charging. Failure to due so can contaminate the shop bulk refrigerant and other vehicles.
z Do not add R- 12 refrigerant to an A/C system that requires the use of R- 134a refrigerant.
These two types of refrigerant must never be mixed. Doing so can damage the A/C
system.
z Charge the A/C system with the engine running only at the low- pressure side to prevent
refrigerant slugging from damaging the A/C compressor.
z Use only R- 134a refrigerant. Due to environmental concerns, when the air conditioning
system is drained, the refrigerant must be collected using refrigerant recovery/recycling
equipment. Federal law REQUIRES that R- 134a be recovered into appropriate recovery
equipment and the process be conducted by qualified technicians who have been
certified by an approved organization, such as MACS, ASI etc. Use of a recovery machine
dedicated to R- 134a is necessary to reduce the possibility of oil and refrigerant
incompatibility concerns. Refer to the instructions provided by the equipment manufacturer when removing refrigerant from or charging the air conditioning system. SECTION 412-
00: Climate Control System - General Information 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
112003 Mustang Workshop Manual
18. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_2308/S3B~us~en~ ...

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Battery and Cables
Vehicles are equipped with a 12 volt maintenance-
free battery that contains a built-in hydrometer. The
hydrometer eye indication is as follows:
zA green dot means the battery is OK.
z A yellow dot, red dot, or when the green dot is not visible, means the battery needs to be
charged.
WARNING: Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause personal injury.
Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted substances to come near the battery. When
charging or working near a battery, always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always
provide ventilation.
WARNING: When lifting a battery, excessive pressure on the end walls could cause acid
to leak out through the vent caps, resulting in personal injury, damage to the vehicle or the
battery.
WARNING: Keep out of the reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric acid. Avoid
contact with skin, eyes, or clothing. Also, shield your eyes when working near the battery to
protect against possible splashing of the acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or
eyes, flush immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt medical
attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that lead- acid batteries be returned to an authorized
recycling facility for disposal. SECTION 414-
01: Battery, Mounting and Cables 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
22003 Mustang Workshop Manual
18. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_5108/S3B~us~en~ ...

GENERAL PROCEDURES
Safety Belt Maintenance
WARNING: All safety belt assemblies include retractors, buckles, front seat belt buckle
support assemblies (slide bar, if so equipped), shoulder belt height adjuster (if equipped), child
safety seat tether bracket assemblies (if equipped) and attaching hardware should be inspected
after any collision. Ford recommends new safety belt assemblies be installed unless a qualified
technician finds the assemblies show no damage and operate correctly. Safety belt assemblies
not in use during a collision should also be inspected and new assemblies installed if either
damage or incorrect operation is noted.
1. The safety belt assemblies should be periodically inspected to make sure that they have not become damaged and that they remain in correct operating condition, particularly if they have
been subjected to severe stress.
2. Before installing the new safety belt assembly, the safety belt retaining areas must be inspected for damage and distortion. If the retaining points are damaged and distorted, the sheet metal
must be reworked back to its original shape and structural integrity.
3. Install the new safety belt(s) using the appropriate instructions. Carry- out the Functional Test
Procedure. For additional information, refer to Safety Belt System in this section.
SECTION 501-
20A: Safety Belt System 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
12003 Mustang Workshop Manual
18. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_5108/S3B~us~en~ ...